The Manchester Airports Group (MAG), the UK’s leading airport group, has appointed Graeme Elliott as new Group Public Affairs Director.
At MAG, Elliott will be responsible for engaging with national politicians, government departments and other key stakeholders on a wide range of aviation policy issues. He will work across MAG’s operations, including its four UK airports at Manchester, Stansted, East Midlands and Bournemouth, as well its expanding MAG USA operation and its MAG Property business. He will report to Corporate Affairs Director Tim Hawkins.
Elliott joins MAG from Heathrow Airport, where he was the airport’s Head of Government Relations as it campaigned for a third runway to be built as part of the Airports Commission process. Previously, he had worked in both agency and in-house positions including five years as Communications Manager at Network Rail.
Elliott said: “In recent years airports have never been far from the floors of the Houses of Parliament, and they’re something that many have strong opinions about. I’m pleased to be joining MAG at this critical time for UK aviation policy, when airports and the government need to work closely together to make the most of the UK's scarce capacity.
“I’m particularly looking forward to leading campaigns to promote the key role that our airports play in the UK economy. Manchester Airport is the global gateway to the Northern Powerhouse and London Stansted has a huge contribution to make to economic development in London and the East of England. It is vital that we work with Government to maximise the potential of these airports.”
Commenting on Elliott’s appointment, Tim Hawkins said: “It's great to have someone with Graeme's experience join MAG to lead our engagement with Government and national stakeholders, at a time when there's so much at stake in terms of aviation policy and its ability to drive economic growth across the UK."